Divorce

If your marriage is breaking up, you will need an experienced lawyer to guide you through the issues of separation, child custody, visitation, and support. Your financial future is a stake, and the decisions you make today and tomorrow can have a lasting impact. Rarely is this a do it yourself project. The emotion of the moment should not give way to careful planning.

MEDIATION

 Mediation is a process in which a trained impartial person, called a mediator, helps you and the other person communicate, understand each other, and reach agreement if possible. Mediation is voluntary, confidential, and lets you and the other person decide what works best for both of you.  In contested Family Law matters, the court will appoint a Mediator to assist you in attempting to reach an agreement on contested issues.  Many individuals seek mediation prior to filing an action with the Court. 

 PARENTING COORDINATION

 Parenting coordinators are specially trained professionals whose work focuses on helping co-parents manage their parenting plan, improve communication, and resolve disputes. The role of a parenting coordinator will vary based on what a family needs and what the court may require. A parenting coordinator may monitor that parents are complying with their parenting agreement, to educate and offer recommendations on ways to solve issues, or to even make individual decisions for the parents based on what the court allows. A parenting coordinator is there to work with the co-parents, yet the overarching focus of their work is to uphold the best interests of the children and encourage each parent to do so as well. As a co-parent, you may be wondering if working with a parenting coordinator is in your best interest. If you are always in conflict and cannot resolve issues with your co-parent, consider the following reasons as to why working with a parenting coordinator may help. a parenting coordinator will help you: focus on making decisions in the best interest of your children, spend less time in court, reduce attorney fees, reduce stress for you and your children, help improve communication with the co-parent.  This is a voluntary process.

GUARDIANSHIPS

When a person is unable to take care of their personal or financial needs because of age, illness, or disability, the court may appoint a guardian. Court-appointed guardians protect Maryland’s vulnerable individuals. The courts support these guardians with an orientation program, training programs, and other resources.  There is a specific process required to have a Guardian of the Person and/or Guardian of the Property appointed.  This process usually benefits from the assistance of an attorney.